"I am in Washington Monday and would love to engage you in a
public debate about my Overhaul Washington plan versus the
congressional status quo."

"I think it would be a tremendous service to the American people
to see a public airing of these differences," he continued. "Let
the people decide. If Monday doesn't work, perhaps we could find
a time in Iowa over the course of the next month to discuss these
issues in front of the people of America's heartland."

Perry is out with a new plan to drastically reform government —
slashing congressional pay, shortening the legislative calendar,
and cutting three Cabinet departments (Education, Commerce
— and Energy).

While the letter is unconventional, it would be even odder for a
member of Congress (not running for president) to actually debate
a presidential candidate. Pelosi's office didn't immediately
respond to a request for comment early Thursday morning.

But Perry is looking to score a political point even if he can't
get Pelosi on stage — saying he wants to debate (despite his
anemic-to-awful performances) is a sign of confidence that voters
may latch onto.

"Should you choose not to respond or engage in such a healthy
discussion, I will take it to mean you will continue your
obstructionist ways in the face of much needed Washington
reform," the
letter reads.